Certified Behavioral Sexologist (CBS)
The CBS is a professional sub-field certification for BACB®-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs and BCaBAs) demonstrating competency in the affirming, consent-focused practice of Sexual Behavior Analysis (SBA).
Important: The CBS certification is a sub-field professional certificate, not a medical license. It is not issued by or endorsed by the BACB®. To practice under this certification, the holder must already be a licensed BCBA® or BCaBA® and/or hold applicable state licensure as a behavior analyst.
What Is the CBS Certification?
Developed by Empowered: A Center for Sexuality in partnership with CEUs by Study Notes ABA, the CBS program is the first complete training program for certified ABA professionals to become demonstrably competent in Sexual Behavior Analysis (SBA).
The program consists of two levels. Level 1 (CBS) focuses on Autism and intellectual disabilities. Level 2 (CBS-C) extends to neurotypical populations and couples work.
All coursework earns BACB® Learning CEUs through CEUs by Study Notes ABA, an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider (#OP-20-3183).
Who Can Earn It
BCBA® or BCaBA® certificate holders in good standing
Developed By
Empowered: A Center for Sexuality (Nicholas Maio)
Level 1 Coursework
60 hours of BACB® Learning CEUs
Level 1 Supervision
90 hours direct/experience hours + SEE capstone
Renewal
10 SBA CEUs every 2 years
Focus Area
Autism, ID, consent, relationships, sexuality education
Core Knowledge Areas (CKAs)
The CBS program requires a minimum of 3+ hours (CEUs) in each CKA. These standards are aligned with AASECT sexological training frameworks and ensure a well-rounded base of competency. Expand each area to see the Study Notes ABA courses mapped to it.
Course catalog and CKA designations sourced from CEUs by Study Notes ABA. Course availability and titles may vary — contact nicholas.maio@empoweredcenter.com for current guidance.
CBS Certification Requirements
Focused on Autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Completion Requirements
- 160 hours of Level 1 coursework (BACB® Learning CEUs)
- 290 hours of supervised direct/experience hours
- 3Minimum 10 hours of group supervision
- 4Attendance at the Sexuality-focused Experiences Evaluation (SEE) — a 2-day in-person capstone training
- 5Completion of the CBS Certification Application
SEE Capstone
The Sexuality-focused Experiences Evaluation is a 2-day in-person training held twice annually. It is the only in-person requirement and serves as the program capstone, helping clinicians evaluate their readiness and personal boundaries for this work. Can be completed at any point during the learning journey.
CBS-C Certification Requirements
Advanced level for neurotypical populations and couples work. Requires completion of Level 1 first.
- 1Completion and certificate award for Level 1 (CBS)
- 230 additional hours of coursework (90 hours total)
- 390 hours of supervised direct/experience hours
- 4Minimum 5 hours of group supervision + 5 hours of individual supervision
- 5Completion of the CBS-C Certification Application
Certificate Renewal
Both CBS and CBS-C certificates require renewal every 2 years.
